Insurance broker Marsh has announced the appointment of Amy Barnes to the newly created position of head of sustainability and climate change strategy, effective 1 April 2021.

Barnes is set to relocate to London later this year from Houston, Texas, and will report to Lucy Clarke, president, Marsh JLT Specialty and Global Placement.

In her new role, she will have responsibility for leading Marsh’s global strategy on the development of climate and sustainability-related initiatives for clients, particularly in relation to the impact of a changing physical risk landscape, improving access to capital for green initiatives, and a more thorough understanding of climate-related project risk.

Barnes currently serves as US and Canada energy & power leader within Marsh JLT Specialty assisting clients across various risk and insurance issues, particularly with the transition from fossil fuels to renewables.

She joined Marsh in 2001 as an environmental consultant and has held several senior international insurance and risk advisory positions over the last 20 years in the UK and US.

Clarke commented: “Marsh is investing significantly in expanding its capabilities to support clients in achieving their climate and sustainability-related goals. Amy’s extensive experience working in the global energy and power sector, combined with her understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our clients, makes her the ideal choice to lead our climate change and sustainability efforts.”

Barnes said: “The long-term wellbeing of our society and the future strength of the global economy all depend on our collective commitment to building a more sustainable environment.

“As the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a tremendous opportunity for organizations to place sustainability and climate change at the heart of their resilience. I look forward to working with our clients and colleagues as we transition to a more environmentally sustainable future.”